Merchants wary of yearlong Scottsdale Road improvement project

Construction is expected to begin this month on a long-awaited streetscape project designed to enhance the curb appeal of Scottsdale's namesake thoroughfare.

A 2-mile stretch of Scottsdale Road from Roosevelt Street to Earll Drive will undergo a yearlong makeover at a cost of $5.8 million.

The plan includes larger sidewalks, new landscaping and other enhancements along Scottsdale Road's southernmost corridor.

Pedestrians could benefit from environmentally friendly shade structures, seating and "green spots" that offer splashes of color at key intersections.

"The sidewalks will be wider. You'll have bike lanes on the road. There will be more intensity of landscaping," said Teresa Huish, principal transportation planner. "It will enhance the aesthetics and provide better transportation choices and make Scottsdale more of a signature street."

Annie DeChance, Scottsdale's transportation outreach coordinator, said city officials have explained the project to area business owners. Some were concerned about the project's impact, she said.

In the past, businesses desired more input and worried that construction and new trees could hinder access and drivers' views of business signs.

"We've literally gone door to door with all the businesses and letting them know this is something that is coming," DeChance said.

"At first, people are apprehensive, but when they see what we're proposing . . . they're pretty receptive to it."

At times, a single lane on either side of the road could be closed to accommodate construction, Huish said.

Azucena Tovar, owner of Los Sombreros Cantina and Cafe on Scottsdale Road, said she hopes the timing of the project doesn't interfere with her peak season in the fall, winter and spring.

"When there is construction, there is always a huge inconvenience for patrons to come in," Tovar said. "Instead of going to a place that has easy access, they might rather go somewhere where there is not construction."

In the economic slump, Tovar said the last thing business owners need is a deterrent.

"I hope in the end it will be an improvement and not a waste of everyone's time, money and effort," Tovar said.

The project is part of a much larger streetscape intended to beautify the entire 24-mile length of Scottsdale Road.

According to project design guidelines, construction will occur in six segments, each with its own colors, patterns and low-wall construction materials.

Continuous threads such as bike lanes and recurring green spots would link the segments together.